In ophthalmology, a cataract is any opacity which develops in the crystalline lens of the eye or in its envelope. The name derives from the Latin cataracta meaning "waterfall" and the Greek kataraktes and katarrhaktes, from katarassein meaning "to dash down" (kata-, "down"; arassein, "to strike, dash") *. As rapidly running water turns white, the term was later used metaphorically to describe the similar appearance of mature ocular opacities.
Cataracts form for a variety of reasons, including long-term ultraviolet exposure, secondary effects of diseases such as diabetes, or simply due to advanced age; they are usually a result of denaturation of lens proteins. Genetic factors are often a cause of congenital cataracts and may also play a role in predisposing someone to cataracts. Fully half of all people between the ages of 65 and 74 and about 70% of those over 75 have some cataract formation. Cataracts may also be produced by eye injury or physical trauma. A study among Icelandair pilots showed commercial airline pilots as three times as likely to develop cataracts as people with non-flying jobs. This is thought to be caused by radiation coming from outer space.
Cataracts may be partial or complete, stationary or progressive, hard or soft.
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Angeles Vision Clinic - What is a Cataract? - Brief overview. Includes symptoms, treatments, and photographs.
Meta Description: [ A cataract is a cloudy area in the lens of the eye. A normal lens is clear and focuses light into the back of the eye (see right photo). When a cataract develops some of this light is blocked out and or scattered. As this cataract develops, it becomes harder for a person to see. ]
Cataract Information A to Z - Information guide including causes, surgery information, illustrations and photographs.
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Cataract Information from Harvard Eye Associates - Information, including symptoms, cause, prevention, and treatment are reviewed along with details on surgery, including risks, activity restrictions, and expected visual outcome.
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Cataract Surgery - Covers extracapsular extraction and phacoemulsification with diagrams and animation.
Meta Description: [ Complete and organized information, diagrams and animations about cataract surgery. Extracapsular - Phacoemulsification. ]
Cataract Surgery - Details about cataracts, the procedure, intraocular lens, and a section for eye care professionals. From Alcon Inc.
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Cataracts - Cause of Cataract Vision Problems and Eye Sight Effects - Explains the causes, symptoms and treatment with diagrams.
Meta Description: [ BUPA health factsheet - cataracts develop over a period of months to years and your sight can gradually deteriorate without you noticing ]
Cataracts FYI - Brief information on treatment options.
Meta Description: [ Cataracts affect millions of individuals each year, but many patients still do not know what they are. Cataracts form when clumps of protein cloud the lens of the eye, blurring vision and at times causing permanent damage. Surgery is the preferred cure for cataracts. ]
eMedicine Health - Cataracts - Information on the causes, symptoms, and treatment of cataracts.
Meta Description: [ A cataract clouds the lens of the eye, limiting vision. Historically, cataracts were common among such ancient peoples as the Sumeri, the Egyptians, and the Indù. The name cataract stems ... ]
Eye 2 Eye Opticians - Explains what cataracts are, what causes them, and what the treatments are. Includes images.
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Eye Care Source: Cataracts - Offers the types, symptoms, detection, treatment and prevention of a cataract.
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Eye Surgery - Cataract and Epiretinal Membrane - Personal experience and illustrations obtained during eye surgeries under local anestesia.
Meta Description: [ What a patient may see during cataract and epiretinal surgery under local anesthesis; illustrated ]
How Do Cataracts Affect Your Vision? - This simulation is designed to help patients and their caregivers better understand the possible progression of cataracts.
Meta Description: [ This Vision Simulator is designed to help you better understand how Cataracts progresses over time. ]
MedicineNet: Cataracts - Includes what they are, how they form, symptoms, diagnosis, implantation of IOL's, and prevention.
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National Eye Institute - Facts About Cataract - Describes symptoms, diagnosis, and treatments.
Pediatric Cataract Surgery - Short fact sheet on treatment of cataracts in children.
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VisionChannel - Cataracts - Symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of this condition which causes a clouding of the eye and can cause a loss of vision if untreated.
Meta Description: [ A cataract is the clouding or opacity that develops in the eye?s lens. The crystalline lens is comprised primarily of protein and water. Normally, the protein is bonded in a way that allows light to pass through it. ]
| Guinness Record on cataract operations.06.09.2009-itn news Sri Lanka | |
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